emirates man


apr/may 2015


| STYLE | TRAVEL


Left: A huskie ride. Below: The entrance to the Icehotel An essential activity to try during a visit to Lapland


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visit, firstly as it might be your only chance to speak with a bona fide local (who’ll impart regional knowledge and history lessons on the Sami people) but also as the entry fee will grant you access to the grazing reindeer in the adjacent field. These creatures will be pleased enough to see you – provided you bring along a bag of food from the gift shop, that is. Be warned: although the reindeer are fairly docile, it’s highly advisable to keep an eye on their antlers at all times – else you run the risk of returning home without both eyes. If it’s wildlife that appeals,


Icehotel offers a husky sledging excursion that provides a hefty injection of adorable animals, alongside a picturesque tour of Jukkasjärvi – conveniently scheduled for when the sun is


brightest in the sky. Take your seat in the sledge, and the previously yapping huskies go silent the moment your driver shouts “mush” (or whatever the Swedish equivalent) and take flight. Gliding along the frozen River Torne in daylight gives you the chance to truly admire your surroundings – the wintry sun beaming in the sky while every snow-covered tree, house and patch of land glimmers beneath it. Seldom a house for miles around, you’ll appreciate just how remote a location you’re staying in. As with most other


excursions you’ll stop midway for a fika (coffee and pastry break). You’ll also be granted an opportunity to get hands on with your fur covered chauffeurs, as they take a well-earned respite.


Not that they’ll need long, as after roughly 30 seconds they’ll start howling again , desperate to embark on yet another run.


T


he culinary scene in Jukkasjärvi is limited by nature, yet what it lacks in choice it more than makes up for in quality.


After a long day out in the cold you’d settle for just about anything to restock the calories you lost through shivering, but head to the luxurious Icehotel restaurant and you’ll find a la carte dining of Michelin star quality. With a tangible sense of tranquillity permeating every inch of the hotel’s grounds, the restaurant is no different – bustling but not packed,


atmospheric though not noisy, with waiting staff on hand at a moment’s notice. Full of warm, personal touches, the head chef may explain his menu to you at the table, and make recommendations based on what’s in the kitchen paired with your palette. The menu often changes, but


the starter of duck with foie gras is a rich treat, whereas you’d be strongly advised to forget the antlered friends you made and opt for a traditional reindeer steak without remorse. Then, for dessert, sample the customary lingonberry parfait over the tempting allure of chocolate – it’s customary, after all. Half a mile up the road the


rustic, timber-built Homestead restaurant sits right on the river. The building dates back to 1768 and is also a museum, while the organic, hearty meals will warm you as much as the flickering fireplace. With spectacular Swedish meatballs, reindeer stew and moose all on the menu, along with Scandinavian beer and wine, you won’t regret going native with your dinner choices. Be sure to fill up, both your


glass and your plate, as you’ll need plenty of fuel, and that extra layer of fat, when retracing your steps home in the blizzard conditions outside. In case we didn’t mention, it’s mighty cold out there.


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